Udinese's second-choice goalkeeper Daniele Padelli, between the posts in place of the injured Zeljko Brkic, kept his side in the game, pulling off good saves to deny Arturo Vidal and Emanuele Giaccherini, although he was at fault for Juve's third.

Juventus were five points ahead of second-placed Lazio, who were held to 2-2 at struggling Palermo.

Napoli, who play Fiorentina on Sunday, were a point further back.

It is a timely boost for Juventus which started the year with defeat to 10-man Sampdoria and a draw at Parma.

It is Udinese's first defeat in seven games.

In Sicily, Sergio Floccari gave Lazio the lead in the 10th minute with a powerful looping header after a brilliant long ball from Cristian Ledesma.

Floccari had a second goal harshly ruled out for offside in the 64th.

The game turned on its head in the space of a minute in the second half as first Arevalo Rios evaded his marker to slot home Andrea Dossena's cross at the far post.

Moments later Fabrizio Miccoli touched on Josip Ilicic's cross for Paulo Dybala to slot home and put Palermo - who had started the day second from bottom - in front.

Lazio levelled from the spot after Ezequiel Munoz fouled Floccari. Hernanes fired into the bottom right corner, despite Palermo goalkeeper Samir Ujkani guessing the right way.